The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland's premier independent marine science organisation generating new knowledge for the benefit of the marine environment and society since 1884.

Dr Iona Campbell

Seaweed Biosecurity Researcher

I am a marine ecologist focusing on the sustainable development and diversification of aquaculture.

I have conducted research under the themes of environmental impacts, and seaweed cultivation, and I am currently working to develop biosecurity strategies for the seaweed aquaculture industry in Indonesia, Philippines and Tanzania.

Research interests

With the global drive for food security becoming more dependent on food farmed in the sea, producing food sustainably is an increasingly important issue.

I am most interested in working with producers to find innovative ways of reducing the potential environmental and biosecurity risks of farming, and translating this knowledge into innovative management procedures and policy changes. I have the unique experience of working with the seaweed industry at its full-scale in China, Indonesia, Philippines and Tanzania, and have previous experience of working in the NGO sector to translate biosecurity risks in aquaculture into high level policy.

My research explores ways to improve biosecurity frameworks and legislation of the seaweed aquaculture industry, and develop innovative predictive risk based tools to improve farm management and biosecurity protocols.

Current research project

GlobalSeaweedSTAR. Funded by Research Council UK via the Global Challenges Research Fund. 2017-21. I am employed as a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant in Biosecurity for the Global Seaweed Industry

About us

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. Based in Oban, 150 staff are working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society.Learn more about us…